The Apple Watch SE is overdue for a refresh. Apple’s reluctance to update this budget-friendly smartwatch is impacting sales, and with the anticipated arrival of the Apple Watch Series 11 later this year, a new Apple Watch SE 3 is crucial for Apple’s smartwatch strategy.
The Apple Watch SE 2 with Nike Bounce watch face.
Declining Shipments and the Need for a New SE
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple Watch shipments declined by 19% in 2024 compared to 2023. The report explicitly cited the “slowdown of the existing Apple Watch SE lineup and the lack of new SE models” as contributing factors. While the entire smartwatch market experienced a slowdown, Apple’s decline was the most significant, suggesting issues within its product portfolio. The original Apple Watch SE launched in late 2020, followed by the SE 2 in late 2022. While two models don’t establish a definitive release pattern, an SE 3 was expected alongside the Series 10 in late 2024. Its absence is noticeable.
Comparing the SE 2 and Series 10
The Apple Watch SE 2 with the Apple Watch Series 10.
The Apple Watch SE 2 relies on an older design with 40mm or 44mm case options, a smaller display with larger bezels, and half the brightness of the Series 10. It uses the dual-core S8 processor and lacks features like an always-on display, ECG, and a body temperature sensor. These omissions are understandable given its lower price point, but the Series 10’s advancements make the SE 2 feel dated. The Series 10’s slimmer 9.7mm case and larger, brighter display with smaller bezels are significant improvements. While the Series 9 and SE 2 were comparable in thickness, the Series 10’s design refinements highlight the SE 2’s age.
Learning from the iPhone SE/16e Strategy
The back of the iPhone 16e in white
The Apple Watch SE 2 isn’t the only SE product neglected by Apple. The iPhone SE (2022) was long overdue for an update before the iPhone 16e arrived in early 2024. While the 16e may not have met all expectations, it modernized the design and name, aligning it with Apple’s current lineup. New products, even those with compromises, drive sales. The iPhone 16e is likely to remain relevant for a couple of years before a potential iPhone 17e successor. While the iPhone 16e feels current, the Apple Watch SE 2 appears outdated, even to less tech-savvy consumers.
The Future of the Apple Watch SE
A person wearing the titanium Apple Watch Series 10.
Apple typically launches new smartwatches alongside new iPhones, suggesting the Series 11 will debut with the iPhone 17. While rumors about an SE 3 with a redesign and new processor exist, they are scarce compared to the extensive speculation surrounding the iPhone SE 3/16e. Apple has an opportunity in late 2025 to unveil an updated SE, potentially rebranded as the “Apple Watch Series 10e,” alongside the Series 11, Ultra 3, and the iPhone 17 lineup. This would revitalize the budget-friendly segment, but leaves the SE 2 languishing for another six months. Until then, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains the superior choice.
